Saturday, February 21, 2009

Solomon Kane #5 (of 5)

I'm sorry to see this mini-series ending, but I suspect we haven't seen the last of Solomon Kane.

Kane was created by Robert E. Howard, though this character's only similarity to Conan is the fact that he uses a sword and finds himself pitted against supernatural foes.

Otherwise, the two are from opposite ends of the spectrum. Kane is a Puritan who wanders the world doing God's work, destroying demons and monsters.

My only beef with this comic is that it insists on depicting Kane as being white as a sheet. I understand that it makes it easier to identify him, but I still think it makes him look too much like Elric, the albino prince created by Michael Moorcock. But I digress.

This issue wraps up Kane's visit to a deadly castle, wherein the master of the house has learned some deadly tricks from the demons that haunt it. Kane has to face those horrific creatures and finds himself in the fight of his life.

The comic benefits from a terrific creative team, including writer Scott Allie and artist Mario Guevara, who does a terrific job capturing the sinister atmosphere of the cursed castle and its strange residents.

The cover by John Cassaday is pretty amazing, too.

This is apparently just the beginning for Solomon Kane, as reprints of past adventures are in the works, along with new adventures (or new adaptations, as the case may be).

Whatever the case, they can't get here soon enough to suit me.

Grade: A-

No comments: